The Vuwani Regional Court has on Monday, 26 February 2018, sentenced the 19 year old Ridovhona Tshiwandalane to an effective nine years imprisonment without the option of a fine for the public violence that took place during May 2017 when the former President visited the area.
The accused was convicted for Malicious Damage to Property after several vehicles belonging to the Police, the SABC and private individuals as well mobile ablution facilities were stoned and damaged in the area at the end of the gathering.
The other accused, Aluwani Maphiri (23) had his case remanded to 19 March 2018 for trial.
The remaining three, namely, Innocent Motabatshidi (22), Ntshangedzeni Mudau (31) and Ntungufhadzeni Makhitha (36) have been indicted to stand trial the following day on 20 March 2018.
The 19 year old accused was in addition to the nine years imprisonment meted against him by the court, declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Task Team that was established to investigate all public violence related crimes in Vuwani, is hard at work to ensure that all responsible persons are brought to book.
During 2016 alone, the police have registered more than hundred cases emanating from the Public Violence incidents that afflicted several areas of Vuwani and sixty two suspects were subsequently arrested. Investigations into these cases are still pending. This public violence led to unprecedented acts of vandalism during which government and private properties were either torched or severely damaged.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has hailed this team and encouraged members to leave no stone unturned until all cases are successfully prosecuted.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
